Essential Secrets 51: Use a Timer

28 June 2018

Essential Secrets

Compliments of performance coach/bassist David Motto

Secret 51:Use a Timer

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Freeing Yourself from Watching the Clock

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Timers have a bad reputation with musicians. You may have visions of parents putting a
timer on top of a piano and telling their young child to keep practicing until the timer goes
off. This technique is a sure way to take the joy out of playing music.

One positive use of a timer is to decide exactly how long you want to practice and to set
your timer when you start. Unlike the parent scenario above, you are making the decision to
play the bass. It’s not being forced on you. This is a crucial difference. Setting a timer for
the duration of your practice session does wonders for your concentration if you are very
busy, easily distracted, or just unmotivated.

Another timer technique helps you develop the high level of focus needed to have major
breakthroughs in your bass playing. Here’s how this technique works:

1. Pick one item to work on. This could be a single scale or exercise, a very
specific section of a song, or something you’ve been avoiding. Choose just
one item.

2. set your timer for a very short increment of time: 1 to 2 minutes, 3 minutes
maximum.

3. Start the timer and begin playing. Work on that single item while the timer is
running. Focus all your energies on the task at hand. When the timer goes
off, stop playing your bass. You’re done with that item for today.

This use of a timer is actually profound. It has a surprising effect, allowing you to forget
about the clock as you practice. Your mind will focus on the music because you won’t be
distracted by how long you’ve been playing. (The timer is keeping track of time for you.)

You’ll feel like you’re in a race, trying to get as much done as possible before the buzzer
goes off. Using a timer like this can get you in the “zone” faster than any other technique.